A ciência precisa de canais de comunicação claros para cortar o ruído, para que a pesquisa tenha algum impacto. O CIFOR-ICRAF é tão apaixonado por compartilhar nosso conhecimento quanto por gerá-lo.
Découvrez les évènements passés et à venir dans le monde entier et en ligne, qu’ils soient organisés par le CIFOR-ICRAF ou auxquels participent nos chercheurs.
Jelajahi acara-acara mendatang dan yang telah lalu di lintas global dan daring, baik itu diselenggarakan oleh CIFOR-ICRAF atau dihadiri para peneliti kami.
Pour que la recherche ait un impact, la science a besoin de canaux de communication clairs pour aller droit au but. CIFOR-ICRAF est aussi passionné par le partage de ses connaissances que par leur production.
Para que la investigación pueda generar algún impacto, los conocimientos científicos requieren de canales de comunicación claros. En CIFOR-ICRAF, compartir nuestros conocimientos nos apasiona tanto como generarlos.
Ilmu pengetahuan membutuhkan saluran komunikasi yang jelas untuk mencapai tujuan, jika ingin dampaknya terlihat. CIFOR-ICRAF sangat bersemangat untuk berbagi pengetahuan sembari menghasilkan pengetahuan itu sendiri.
CIFOR–ICRAF achieves science-driven impact. We conduct innovative research, strengthen
partners’ capacity and actively engage in dialogue with all stakeholders, bringing the latest insights on
forests, trees, landscapes and people to global decision making.
CIFOR–ICRAF publishes over 750 publications every year on agroforestry, forests and climate change, landscape restoration, rights, forest policy and much more – in multiple languages.
Explore our knowledge
Browse CIFOR–ICRAF’s published research in a wide range of formats, all of which are available for free online.
This section includes knowledge products from CIFOR and ICRAF published since 2016. Please visit cifor.org or worldagroforestry.org for older publications, which will be added to this site over time.
Explore upcoming and past events across the globe and online, whether hosted by CIFOR-ICRAF or attended by our researchers.
Science needs clear communication channels to cut through the noise, if research is to have any impact. CIFOR-ICRAF is as passionate about sharing our knowledge as we are in generating it.
CIFOR–ICRAF addresses local challenges and opportunities while providing solutions to global problems for forests,
landscapes, people and the planet.
We deliver actionable evidence and solutions to transform how land is used and how food is produced: conserving and
restoring ecosystems, responding to the global climate, malnutrition, biodiversity and desertification crises. In short,
improving people’s lives.
Agriculture, Biodiversity and Food Security: From Commitments to Actions
Published on 29 Apr 2024
Implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Global Framework) adopted in December 2022 at the COP 15 will require the involvement of all economic sectors, particularly agriculture and food.
In short, coordination and synergies between sectors, between agriculture and the environment, and between the various global instruments and tools forming part of the global political landscape are required for the sustainable management of biodiversity. The International Symposium “Agriculture, Biodiversity and Food Security: From Commitments to Actions” will be an important milestone in the implementation of the Global Framework.
Its specific objectives are to:
Share and disseminate experiences in the protection and sustainable management of biodiversity in agriculture.
Identify the constraints and opportunities for further integrating biodiversity into agrifood systems, considering the challenges of climate change and land degradation.
Contribute to the implementation of the Global Framework for Biodiversity.
The discussions will lead to technical recommendations, based on discussions between participants, to help stakeholders in agrifood systems to implement the Global Framework through agriculture. This document will enable participants to share concrete recommendations with their respective organisations and will equip them to implement promising actions and measures.
Scheduled over two and a half days in hybrid mode (in person and virtual), the event will include plenary and working group sessions addressing the main targets of the Global Framework relevant to agriculture (see preliminary program), and also making links with other processes of importance to the sector. In addition, online participation modalities may be envisaged for some sessions, as well as pre-event consultations to facilitate the engagement of different categories of stakeholders and ensure broad geographical coverage. Field activities will also be considered alongside the symposium.
Janice Bailey, Scientific Director, Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies
Kent Nnagozie, Secretary, FAO International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
Lloyd C. Day, Deputy Director General, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
Marcel Groleau, Farmer and President, Agricord
Background
Mangroves, which are distinct forests in coastal and estuarine saline wetlands of tropical and subtropical regions, are pivotal in addressing the climate crisis. Comprising various species, these ecosystems are categorized into ‘exclusive’ (true mangroves) and ‘non-exclusive’ (semi-mangroves or mangrove associates). True mangroves excel in saline environments, with specialized adaptations like aerial roots for oxygen absorption and viviparous seed germination. Mangroves are critical components of ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems, known for their effective carbon dioxide absorption from the atmosphere and significant carbon storage capabilities, surpassing that of warm-temperate forests. This positions them as valuable assets in the global effort to combat climate change.
The Indo-West Pacific Region, which includes East Asia, hosts the most diverse mangrove ecosystems in the world, with distribution area gradually expanding and migrating owing to climate change. The Korean Peninsula is situated in the northernmost subtropical climate area in East Asia, where the Kuroshio Current in the Western Pacific Ocean has consistently influenced the distribution of subtropical plants. Currently, two species of semi-mangrove trees inhabit coastal areas in Korea — Hibiscus hamabo and Paliurus ramosissimus — particularly on Jeju Island, with their distribution and range expanding incrementally. These species, adaptable to both intertidal zones and terrestrial habitats, lack the typical mangrove traits of aerial roots and unique seed germination. Despite this, they offer potential for carbon absorption and climate change mitigation. A recent predictive study demonstrated the potential expansion of the distribution of subtropical plants in East Asia, including the possible establishment of mangroves in Korea, owing to climate change.
This symposium seeks to highlight the crucial ecological and climate roles of mangrove and semi- mangrove ecosystems. Focusing on East Asia, we aim to explore the carbon-sequestration potential of these species. Key discussions will include nursery and propagation strategies suitable for local climates, methods to enhance carbon absorption in coastal areas, and effective management practices for maintaining these ecosystems.
For more information, please contact
Bora Lee Warm-Temperate and Subtropical Forest Research Center, NIFoS Jeju, Republic of Korea boralee7208@korea.kr
2023 results summary and 2024 research overview Himlal Baral, Senior Scientist, CIFOR-ICRAF
Discussion
Moderator: Agus Maulana, Research Consultant, CIFOR-ICRAF
Introduction to the Blue Carbon Deck
Daniel Murdiyarso, Principal Scientist, CIFOR-ICRAF
Closing and concluding remarks
Mihyun Seol, Seconded Scientist, CIFOR-ICRAF
Organizers
Research paper on Africa’s ‘forgotten’ foods wins prestigious Cozzarelli Prize in Washington, DC
Published on 23 Apr 2024
Mango, okra, onion, sweetsop, jackfruit, coconut, finger millet, and bitter gourd were among the 58 food crops identified in the study that are micronutrient-rich and suitable for integration into cropping systems under current and projected climatic conditions. Photo by Ollivier Girad/CIFOR-ICRAF
TAINAN CITY, TAIWAN and NAIROBI, KENYA (23 April 2024) – An international research team led by the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), and including scientists from the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), has won the 2023 Cozzarelli Prize for an article on the potential of ‘forgotten’ food crops in sub-Saharan Africa to provide healthy diets in a changing climate.
The paper was one of six selected by the editorial board of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) – a prestigious scientific journal based in Washington, DC – to receive the annual award for scientific excellence and originality at a ceremony on 28 April 2024.
Papers were chosen from more than 3,000 open-access research articles that appeared in the journal last year and represent the six broadly defined classes under which the National Academy of Sciences is organized.
The study – which was selected in the Applied Biological, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences category of the Cozzarelli Prize – also involved multidisciplinary scientists from the University of Abomey-Calavi (Benin), the National Taiwan University, and Scotland’s Rural College in Edinburgh.
The study used climate modelling to assess the potential of 138 traditional food plants that could diversify or replace staple crops, and identified 58 that are micronutrient-rich and are suitable for integration into cropping systems under current and projected climatic conditions. The authors concluded that diversifying food production in Africa with these neglected ‘opportunity crops’ improves both the dietary health and climate resilience of food systems in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Our study shows that in most locations where major staples are currently grown in sub-Saharan Africa, one or more forgotten food crops from different food groups will be suitable for cultivation under 2070 climate conditions – and can diversify major staples to support more nutrient-rich diets,” says Maarten van Zonneveld, head of genetic resources at WorldVeg in Taiwan.
The research was part of various initiatives that the study’s collaborating partners are involved in. WorldVeg is the only organization with a global mandate for vegetable research and development – including traditional crops – and works closely with the paper’s co-authors in Benin and Taiwan. CIFOR-ICRAF scientists were involved in the modelling and data analysis, and built on their rich experience with tree and shrub foods.
“Our results suggest that diversifying sub-Saharan African food production with forgotten food crops could improve climate resilience and dietary health,” says Stepha McMullin, a development specialist at CIFOR-ICRAF in Kenya. “But to successfully mainstream these foods, it is crucial that we work closely with both local producers and consumers. At CIFOR–ICRAF, we already work with rural communities in East and Southern Africa to do this, by designing and implementing locally tailored food tree portfolios.”
Recipients of the Cozzarelli Prize – which is named after former PNAS Editor-in-Chief Nicholas R. Cozzarelli – will be recognized at the awards ceremony during the annual meeting of the National Academy of Sciences. Online registration is possible here.
“Two thirds of the 58 selected crops are vegetables that are rich in vitamin A, folate, iron and zinc. Our study shows that in most locations where major staples are currently grown in sub-Saharan Africa, one or more forgotten food crops from different food groups will be suitable for cultivation under 2070 climate conditions – and can diversify major staples to support more nutrient-rich diets.”
Maarten van Zonneveld, Head of Genetic Resources, World Vegetable Center, Taiwan
“Climate adaptation strategies in the region to date have largely neglected the potential of Africa’s ‘forgotten’ food crops, and we wanted to know more about what they have to offer as conditions change,” said co-author and CIFOR-ICRAF senior scientist Roeland Kindt. He also explained that climate modelling was done via the BiodiversityR package, widely used for community ecology and species distribution research.
Roeland Kindt, Senior Scientist, CIFOR-ICRAF, Kenya
“Our results suggest that diversifying sub-Saharan African food production with forgotten food crops could improve climate resilience and dietary health, but to successfully mainstream these foods, it is crucial we work closely with both local producers and consumers. At CIFOR–ICRAF, we already work with rural communities in East and Southern Africa to do this, by designing and implementing locally-tailored food tree portfolios, and the African Orphan Crops Consortium was established to help meet producer and consumer needs.”
Stepha McMullin, Development Specialist, CIFOR-ICRAF, Kenya
“Our study is timely in informing policymakers and researchers on the use of Africa’s forgotten crops in the diversification and prioritization of food supply for healthy diets under a changing climate. With the support of the Taiwan Africa Vegetable Initiative, we have been able to upgrade our national vegetable germplasm collection called CalaviGen with better equipment and more seed stored. Our collection was enriched with close to 10,000 new accessions and will be a key resource for breeding, research, and promotion of the vegetable opportunity crops.”
Enoch G. Achigan-Dako, Head, Genetics, Biotechnology and Seed Science Unit, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin
“I see results from participatory trials across Africa using WorldVeg selections and improved varieties of amaranth, jute mallow, okra, spider plant and others. Since 2013, more than half a million seed samples of traditional vegetables have been distributed to farmers and schools across Sub-Saharan Africa. Farmers are really enthusiastic, and we see high rates of adoption. Importantly, also, there is increasing interest from local seed enterprises to scale seed supply of these crops, and several of these crops are also incorporated in the Africa Vegetable Breeding Consortium for further scaling.”
Sognigbé N’Danikou, Scientist – Traditional African Vegetables, World Vegetable Center, Tanzania
“I am deeply honoured to be one of the co-authors of this research that underpins the value of cross-continental collaboration between Taiwan-based research and development organizations and African research teams.”
Wei-hsun Hsieh, Department of Agronomy, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
“With the support of the Taiwan Africa Vegetable Initiative and in response to a call for a global rescue plan for fruit and vegetable biodiversity, we work with the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin and with partners in Tanzania, Madagascar and Eswatini to rescue, conserve, and use the seed of local vegetable varieties. This collection will provide a solid basis for vegetable breeding in sub-Saharan Africa and keep these varieties safeguarded for future generations.”
Yann-rong Lin, Department of Agronomy, National Taiwan University and Former Deputy Director General – Partnerships, World Vegetable Center, Taiwan
“It’s heartening to see this research on marginalized crops being recognized and celebrated. And what’s unusual about this research is that information on the nutritional value of crops was included in the analysis. The modelling we did, while a great start, is of course only an initial step in supporting food system diversification, as many other considerations are needed to design future food systems and put these designs into practice.”
Ian Dawson, Senior Scientist, CIFOR-ICRAF, Kenya, and Reader, Scotland’s Rural College, UK
GLF Peatlands 2024: The Climate Solution We Forgot
Published on 16 Apr 2024
How to save the world’s peatlands? Dive into the latest insights into peatland conservation, management, and restoration.
Did you know that peatlands store a third of the world’s soil carbon? That’s twice as much as all the world’s forests – even though they only make up 3–4% of the Earth’s land area. Yet this significant carbon store is under threat as peatlands continue to be degraded at alarming rates around the world, affecting the health and livelihoods of millions of people.
How to change the course? Connect with a thousand experts, practitioners and policymakers from all over the world for solutions and action.
Lancement du Programme de gestion durable de la faune au Cameroun : La faune camerounaise sous les feux des projecteurs !
Published on 29 Mar 2024
Un singe De Brazza (Cercopithecus neglectus) – l’une des nombreuses espèces de primates présentes dans la Réserve faunique du Dja au Cameroun. Photo de Steve Wilson/Flickr.
Lancement de la nouvelle initiative visant à améliorer la gestion durable de la faune sauvage et à soutenir les communautés riveraines de la Réserve de Faune du Dja.
Des millions de personnes dépendent de la viande sauvage pour leur alimentation et leurs revenus.
La viande sauvage est une source importante de protéines, de graisses et de micronutriments, en particulier pour les peuples autochtones et les communautés rurales d’Afrique.
L’objectif global du Programme de gestion durable de la faune sauvage (SWM Programme) est de contribuer à la conservation de la faune et de la flore sauvage, des écosystèmes, d’améliorer les conditions de vie et la sécurité alimentaire des populations qui dépendent de ces ressources. Et au Cameroun plus spécifiquement, il s’agit d’améliorer et de renforcer la durabilité de la gestion communautaire des ressources forestières, en particulier des viandes sauvages, tout en garantissant les moyens de subsistance des peuples autochtones et des communautés locales.
Le Cameroun vient de rejoindre les quinze pays du SWM Programme.
Au Cameroun, le Programme va travailler avec dix villages Baka et dix villages Bantu, à proximité de la Réserve de faune du Dja dans le district de Mintom.
Les activités du SWM Programme sont financées par l’Union européenne et mises en œuvre par le CIFOR-ICRAF en collaboration avec la FAO et le MINFOF.
[EBOLOWA, 25 mars 2024] – La faune des forêts tropicales humides du Sud-Est du Cameroun est de plus en plus soumise à la pression d’une surexploitation due à l’augmentation démographique et à des intérêts commerciaux incontrôlés. Pour relever ces défis majeurs, le SWM Programme (programme de gestion durable de la faune sauvage) s’associe aux villages Bakas et Bantous autour de la Réserve de faune du Dja pour développer de nouvelles approches durables de chasse et de consommation de viande sauvage.
Suite à l’intérêt exprimé par le Cameroun, un projet financé par l’Union européenne a été signé en septembre 2023 entre le gouvernement et l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture (FAO). Le Centre international pour la recherche forestière et mondiale d’agroforesterie (CIFOR-ICRAF) a été désigné pour coordonner le projet national et le travail sur le terrain.
Un atelier de lancement officiel du projet aura lieu à Ebolowa du 25 au 26 mars 2024. Les responsables de l’arrondissement de Mintom – où le projet sera mis en œuvre – et d’autres partenaires techniques et financiers du projet sont attendus. La phase de mise en œuvre du SWM Programme au Cameroun s’étendra jusqu’en juillet 2026.
Ce travail au Cameroun a trois objectifs spécifiques :
Utiliser durablement et légalement la faune sauvage pour l’alimentation et les moyens de subsistance des acteurs ruraux, en conservant la biodiversité.
Réduire la dépendance des populations à l’égard de la viande sauvage provenant de sources non durables, en faveur de chaînes d’approvisionnement saines et durables.
Renforcer les capacités de prévention des risques de propagation de maladie d’origine sauvage lors de contact entre humains et animaux domestiques et humains – faune sauvage, ainsi que dans les écosystèmes.
Le site pilote du SWM Programme au Cameroun se trouve en périphérie de la Réserve de Faune du Dja, et plus précisément dans le paysage de Djoum-Mintom.
La réserve de faune du Dja est une priorité pour les actions de conservation de la biodiversité.
Dix villages Bakas et dix villages Bantous sont ciblés par le projet englobant la plupart des centres de population du district de Mintom (environ 6 000 habitants, dont 5 000 vivent dans les zones rurales, y compris 2 000 Baka).
L’UE et le Cameroun agissent ensemble pour relever ces défis !
Le Programme de gestion durable de la faune sauvage (SWM Programme) est une initiative internationale qui vise à améliorer la conservation et l’utilisation durable de la faune sauvage dans les écosystèmes forestiers, de savane et des zones humides.
Le SWM Programme est financé par l’Union européenne et cofinancé par le Fonds français pour l’environnement mondial (FFEM) et l’Agence française de développement (AFD). L’initiative est coordonnée par un consortium dynamique de quatre partenaires, notamment l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture (FAO), le Centre de recherche forestière internationale et mondial d’agroforesterie (CIFOR-ICRAF), le Centre français de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD) et la Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
Programme Launch: Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme in Cameroon
Published on 29 Mar 2024
A De Brazza’s monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus) – one of many primate species found in Cameroon’s Dja Faunal Reserve. Photo by Steve Wilson/Flickr
Cameroon’s wildlife in the spotlight: Launch of a new initiative to sustainably manage the Grand Tridom-Tri-National de la Sangha landscape and support communities.
Millions of people depend on wild meat for food and income. Wild meat is an important source of protein, fat, and micronutrients, particularly for Indigenous Peoples and rural communities in South America, Africa, and Asia.
The overall aim of the SWM Programme is to contribute to the conservation of wildlife, ecosystems, and their services, as well as to improve the living conditions and food security of the people who depend on these resources.
Cameroon is the latest country to join fifteen other countries that are participating in the SWM Programme. In Cameroon, the SWM Programme will work with ten Baka villages and ten Bantu villages next to the Dja Faunal Reserve in the Mintom district.
The objective of the SWM Programme in Cameroon is to improve and strengthen the sustainability of community-based management of forest resources, particularly wild meat, while guaranteeing the livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
The SWM Programme activities in Cameroon are funded by the European Union and implemented by CIFOR-ICRAF in collaboration with FAO and MINFOF.
(EBOLOWA, 25 March 2024) – Wildlife in the tropical rainforests of southeast Cameroon is increasingly under pressure from overexploitation driven by a burgeoning human population and uncontrolled commercial interests. To tackle these major challenges, an international initiative – the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme or SWM Programme – is partnering with Baka and Bantu villages around the Dja Faunal Reserve to develop new sustainable approaches to address wild meat hunting and consumption throughout the entire food chain.
Following Cameroon’s expressed interest, an EU-funded project was signed in September 2023 between the government and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) has been designated as the lead partner organisation to coordinate the country project and fieldwork.
A workshop is being organised to mark the official launch of the project, which will take place in Ebolowa from 25 to 26 March 2024. Leaders from the Mintom district – where the project will be implemented – and other technical and financial partners of the project are expected to attend. The implementation phase of the SWM Programme work in Cameroon will run through to July 2026.
This work in Cameroon has three specific objectives.
Firstly, achieving sustainable and legal use of wild animal populations for the food and livelihoods of rural stakeholders whilst conserving biodiversity.
Secondly, reducing the dependence of population centres (urban or otherwise) on wild meat from unsustainable sources, in favour of healthy and sustainable supply chains.
Thirdly, strengthening capacities to prevent zoonotic risks of wild origin at the human-domestic animal-wildlife interface and in ecosystems.
The SWM Programme pilot site in Cameroon is located on the edge of the Dja Faunal Reserve, more precisely in the Djoum-Mintom landscape.
The Dja Faunal Reserve is a priority for biodiversity conservation actions.
Ten Baka villages and ten Bantu villages are targeted by the project, which encompasses most of the population centres in the Mintom district (around 6,000 inhabitants, 5,000 of whom live in rural areas, including 2,000 Baka).
The EU and Cameroon are working together to meet these challenges!
The SWM Programme is a major international initiative that aims to improve wildlife conservation and food security in forest, savannah and wetland ecosystems. It is funded by the European Union, with co-funding from the French Facility for Global Environment and the French Development Agency. Projects are being piloted and tested with governments and communities in fifteen participating countries.
The SWM Programme is implemented by a dynamic consortium of four partners with expertise in wildlife conservation and food security. It is led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and implemented with the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
Coastal and wetland ecosystems (including mangroves, tidal marshes and grasslands) play an important role in climate change adaptation and mitigation; and ensure the livelihoods and well-being of coastal communities. Salt marshes, mangroves and seagrass beds absorb large quantities of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it, thus decreasing the effects of global warming. Previous research studies suggest that mangroves and coastal wetlands sequester carbon at a rate ten times greater than mature tropical forests. They also store three to five times more carbon per equivalent area than tropical forests. Most coastal blue carbon is stored in the soil, not in aboveground plant materials as with tropical forests. With their great potential in mitigating climate change, coastal and wetland ecosystems are of great interest to many investors in the global carbon market.
Vietnam has a long coastline, and its coastal ecosystems are highly vulnerable to sea level rise and climate change. The Government of Vietnam has issued many policies including its latest Nationally Determined Contribution, and the Vietnam Forestry Development Strategy 2021–2030 with vision to 2050, which emphasize the need to protect, expand and enhance the quality of coastal forests and ecosystems. These policies also call for research and knowledge sharing on innovative financing mechanisms including a carbon market to finance and manage coastal ecosystems sustainably. Despite having market potential, few blue carbon credits are being traded in carbon markets. Information on blue carbon transactions and projects is very limited and not widely disseminated. This inhibits learning and information exchange between parties, and hampers capacity to improve blue carbon policy and project design and implementation.
To address these knowledge gaps, and to facilitate knowledge exchange between Vietnam and other countries in designing effective, efficient and equitable blue carbon policies and projects, the Department of Forestry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam National University of Forestry (VNUF), the University of Adelaide (UoA) and the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) are co-organizing an International workshop entitled International lessons learned on designing and operating an effective, efficient and equitable blue carbon market. The workshop will bring leading international and Vietnamese experts, policymakers and practitioners together to share ideas and discuss:
latest developments in a global blue carbon market;
international experiences in designing and operating blue carbon projects on the ground;
the multifaceted aspects of integrating blue carbon ecosystems into policy and project design;
knowledge exchange and partnerships between stakeholders.
Agenda
Registration
VNUF-CIFOR-ICRAF
Opening address
Department of Forestry/Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development
Australian Embassy in Vietnam
Part 1. Vietnam’s current status
Status and future planning for coastal and mangrove forests in Vietnam
Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Nature-based carbon opportunities in Viet Nam: Assessment and recommendations- Insights into Viet Nam’s potential for forest carbon projects
Alessia Cascione, General Manager, Global Project Development, NatureCO
Fair selling price? – Challenges for trading forest carbon credits in Vietnam
Bui Thi Minh Nguyet, Vietnam National Forestry University
Pham Thu Thuy, University of Adelaide; CIFOR
Q&A
Part 2. International lessons learnt
Global overview on current blue carbon transactions
Pham Thu Thuy, University of Adelaide; CIFOR
Blue carbon crediting projects – early insights from the Australian perspective
Alice Jones, University of Adelaide
Identifying the co-benefits and methods for valuation of blue carbon
Sarah Wheeler, University of Adelaide
Coffee break
Sharing from worldwide investors and experts on blue carbon markets
Commentators
Andrew Lowe, University of Adelaide
Vu Tan Phuong, Vietnam Forest Certification Office/Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Jake Brunner, Head of IUCN Indo-Burma
Thibault Ledecq, Chief Conservation Director, WWF-Viet Nam
Emma Carmody, Co-Founder; Director of Legal and Partnerships, Restore Blue
Ryan Merrill, Executive Secretary, Global Mangrove Trust
Plenary discussion
Closing ceremony
Lunch
PhD scholarships for young women from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Timor-Leste
Published on 19 Mar 2024
Women doctoral students researching forest landscape governance in Southeast Asia have the opportunity to apply for partial scholarships of up USD 40,000 through EXPLORE, a dynamic forest landscape governance research network.
Funded by the Swedish International Development Agency and jointly hosted by RECOFTC and the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), EXPLORE scholarships are designed to advance gender equity, support individuals, and foster the development of more inclusive and diverse societies.
The network aims to support governments in using high-quality research to improve policies and institutional frameworks for inclusive and sustainable development of forest landscapes in Southeast Asia that contributes to climate and development goals. It also works to improve researchers’ capacity through grants to fund research.
Scholarship inclusions
Up to USD 40,000 research funding over three years
Scientific co-supervision by a RECOFTC or CIFOR-ICRAF senior expert
Internship opportunities at partner institutions
Participation in capacity-development programmes
Requirement to publish in high-ranking international journals and present findings at EXPLORE-related events.
Eligibility
Applicants from any scientific discipline relevant to forest landscape governance are encouraged to apply.
They must demonstrate a dedication to transboundary, interdisciplinary, and participatory action research while also integrating gender inclusion and human rights into their methodologies.
Eligible applicants must fulfil the following criteria.
Be women PhD students
Be citizens of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar or Timor-Leste
Be enrolled or employed in a university, preferably in the Asia Pacific region
Comply with EXPLORE’s agreement and reporting requirements
Selection process
EXPLORE employs a double-blind scientific process for scholarship selection, ensuring fairness and impartiality. The Secretariat screens applications for eligibility, followed by interviews and evaluations by a grant panel. The Explore Program Advisory Committee makes the final decisions.
Selection criteria
Applicant profile: Comprehensive details of education, research experience, motivation, and recommendations.
Research plan quality: Assessment based on innovativeness, technical feasibility, gender equality integration, potential impact, and capacity-development strategies.
Applicants are required to have proficient English skills for communication purposes.
Application deadline
Applicants can apply using the online form between 1 March to 31 May 2024.
EXPLORE is dedicated to advancing knowledge on forest landscape governance in Southeast Asia. EXPLORE collaborates with various stakeholders in the region. As the sole global research network focusing on forest landscape governance, EXPLORE utilises multidisciplinary and participatory approaches to support the Sustainable Development Goals and other commitments.
Prioritising gender equality and social inclusion, EXPLORE aims to ensure equal representation of women researchers and promotes cooperation across borders. And by providing research-based knowledge, EXPLORE helps Southeast Asian governments and communities manage diverse interests within forest landscapes, contributing to sustainable outcomes.
CIFOR-ICRAF is honoured to partner with RECOFTC in the implementation of EXPLORE.
Harnessing the power of African native trees for climate action and food security
Published on 12 Mar 2024
Seeds are a critical first step in climate action, bolstering local livelihoods, enhancing food security, and preserving biocultural diversity. The just-launched ‘Right Tree, Right Place: Seed Project’ is using them to transform African landscapes.
Nairobi, Kenya (12 March 2024) – An ambitious climate initiative harnessing the power of native tree seeds launched in Nairobi, Kenya, aiming to advance African land restoration goals. The “Right Tree, Right Place: Seed Project” will enhance the availability of high-quality native tree seeds across Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Burkina Faso.
The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between planting policy and execution, improve coordination between the public and private sectors in seed accessibility, and establish viable business models to promote the adoption of native tree seeds, all of which allow a unique combination of skills.
“We need high-quality seeds for the right species that are best suited to their purpose and environment. This is how we create good and resilient ecosystems – for food security, biodiversity, livelihoods and stabilizing our climate. By nurturing native species, we are not only safeguarding our environment but also partnering with local communities and fostering resilience. Investing in seed systems is to preserve our heritage, protect biodiversity, build a global commons that can ignite high-quality tree seed systems including the private sector and secure a sustainable future for generations to come,” said Éliane Ubalijoro, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF).
With a budget of €20 million, this landscape restoration endeavour will foster an environment conducive to native tree seed and seedling production and enhance supply-demand dynamics, through knowledge sharing, seed mobilization, and capacity development, for example. The project’s innovative force lies in addressing local and global challenges through tree planting for both current and predicted future climates. It builds upon local knowledge, science and cooperation between communities and the public and private sectors to make restoration scalable and sustainable.
African governments: Leading partners
The project will be implemented in Kenya, whose commitment under the Bonn Challenge and AFR100 initiatives is to restore 5,1 million hectares of native forest by 2030. “Something very important is starting here today with the launch of this project. With its very noble objectives, it brings up the issue of seeds and seedlings policy and systems, speaking to the needs of Kenya. It will be very impactful in many areas, creating jobs and value chains right from the seed to the tree, contributing to our environment through carbon sequestration and providing materials for different activities in the country. With the improvement of seeds, there is biodiversity improvement so we can bring back landscapes to what they are supposed to be,” said Gitonga Mugambi, Principal Secretary, State Department of Forestry, Government of Kenya.
In Ethiopia, the project is aligned with the Government’s commitment to build a Climate Resilient Green Economy by 2030 as well as to achieve the country’s pledge to restore 15 million hectares of native forest by 2030 under the Bonn Challenge and AFR100 initiatives. “Investing in forestry is investing beyond the forest sector. It is about sustainable agriculture, adaptation to climate change, sustainable energy, tourism and water. Our novel agenda goes beyond the sector to the country’s sustainable economic growth. We’ve learned from past initiatives that there are challenges in the quality of planting materials. With this initiative, we are filling that gap and focusing on planting the right tree, in the right place, for the right purpose,” said Motuma Tolera, Deputy Director General of Ethiopia Forestry Development.
The project supports Rwanda’s Bonn Challenge to restore 2 million hectares of land and their Vision 2050 to transition to a green economy. “Although the country is significantly greening its economy, restoration with the right trees in the right place and for the right purpose was overseen. Now, our restoration aim is to focus on the benefits of communities and ecosystems. We hope this project helps us change the course to restore forests with our native species and bring back their native functionalities and their ecological, cultural and economic benefits. The time is now, and this project is timely,” said Beatrice Cyiza, Director General, Environment and Climate Change Department of Rwanda.
The project will also contribute to Burkina Faso’s participation in the African Union Great Green Wall initiative as well as its pledge to restore 5 million hectares of land under AFR100 and the Bonn Challenge. Equally, it will work closely with Uganda in its aim to restore around 12% of its total land area (2.5 million hectares) under the AFR100 and the Bonn Challenge initiatives.
“Reforestation efforts to date have focused too narrowly on fast-growing exotic trees rather than planting biodiverse native species tailored to local ecological conditions. This undermines long-term sustainability. The Right Tree, Right Place: Seed Project tackles these interlinked challenges through a coordinated strategy. First, enabling policies and institutions for the native tree seed supply sector. Second, developing technical capacity all along the seed-to-seedling delivery chain. Thirdly, linking nurseries to meet restoration demand on deforested lands. And fourth, sharing knowledge to inspire similar initiatives at pan-African scale,” said Ramni Jamnadass, Senior Advisor of Biodiversity and Trees Genetic Resources at CIFOR-ICRAF and Principal Scientist of the project.
The Right Tree, Right Place: Seed Project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUV) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and implemented by CIFOR-ICRAF, Unique land use GmbH, Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) and the University of Copenhagen (UCPH).
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Project facts
Implementation phase: 6 years, from 2024–2029
Target groups: Farmers and tree growers; national tree seed centers, seed suppliers, nursery operators and cooperatives; publicly and privately funded tree planting programs; and government agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations (CSO) and scientists involved in tree planting and Forest Landscape Restoration.
Key barriers addressed: the lack of access to quality tree planting materials especially for native tree species, and limited knowledge on multiplication and delivery channels for native trees species.
Key indicator targets: Cover 20 million hectares of land by 2045, conserve an extra 4 million tonnes of soil per year, achieve an extra 19 million tonnes of sequestered CO2 and increase in employment of over 80,000 jobs in harvesting additional tree products.
Why trees?
Trees and forests particularly contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 13 Climate Action (carbon storage and sequestration).
SDG 15 Life on Land (harboring biodiversity).
SDG 2 Zero Hunger and SDG 12 Responsible Production and Consumption (provision of food, fodder, fuelwood, and more)
SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation (watershed protection)
SDG 1 No Poverty (supporting rural livelihoods with forest products)
Additional quotes
“Seeds are a prerequisite for successful restoration activities, whether it’s in forests or agroforestry systems. This project will contribute to Africa’s commitment towards the Bonn Challenge and AFR100 to bring back 100 million hectares of lost forests and degraded farmlands.”
“Exotic species create ecological deserts that not only fail to contribute to the thriving of local biodiversity but are also a void in terms of biocultural preservation. The critical importance of this project is beyond nature-based solutions; it is also about preserving heritage.”
– Éliane Ubalijoro, Chief Executive Officer, the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF)
“We will make this project a success in Kenya. There might be challenges along the way, but we will go for partnerships, consultations and open discussions so everything goes right.”
“By greening Kenya, we address one of the major priorities of this country and even globally because when we restore our ecosystems, we also create livelihoods for our people. We are undertaking forestry legal reforms, trying to bring in the private sector and strengthening the value chain to grow trees sustainably and improve our economy.”
“We are improving our agroforestry, and biodiversity is a niche we want to address.”
– Gitonga Mugambi, Principal Secretary, State Department of Forestry, Government of Kenya
“Restoring with native tree species contributes to overcoming malnutrition and gender problems, alleviating poverty, developing value chain and promoting community and gender equality-based enterprises. Native tree species play a critical role in restoring ecosystem functionality and conserving threatened plant species in danger.”
“Availability and accessibility of seeds and planting materials for the native tree species has been a major challenge to embark on the efforts of restoring our landscape in the right way. We hope this project will help change the course and help restore most native species.”
– Beatrice Cyiza, Director General, Environment and Climate Change Department of Rwanda
“Because of its wide altitudinal variation, Ethiopia has diverse forest ecosystems which are very important in linking upper and downstream communities and sustaining livelihood. At the same time, most of our rivers emanating from these forest ecosystems cross boundaries, reaching neighboring countries. So, investing in forests is about sustainable water reaching beyond Ethiopia.”
– Motuma Tolera, Deputy Director General, Ethiopia Forestry Development
“This ambitious six-year initiative aims to enhance landscape restoration across sub-Saharan Africa by ensuring a sustainable supply of high-quality seeds and seedlings of diverse native tree species.”
“Africa faces alarming degradation of its landscapes. Over 50% of the continent’s land area is classified as degraded, costing billions in lost productivity annually and threatening livelihoods. Compounding this crisis is the rapid loss of biodiversity, including gene pools of African forests. As the State of the World’s Trees 2022 report published by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), with extinction due to deforestation and climate change. Africa is especially vulnerable from this loss of nature’s resilience.”
“By following our mantra ‘the right tree for the right place’, I am supremely confident this project will accelerate progress toward Bonn Challenge and AFR100 goals to bring back millions of hectares of lost forests and farmlands. The result will be more climate-resilient, biodiverse landscapes that enhance food and water security, create green jobs, sequester carbon and bolster national development.”
– Ramni Jamnadass, Senior Advisor of Biodiversity and Trees Genetic Resources at CIFOR-ICRAF and Principal Scientist of the project
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NOTE TO EDITORS
Find more information on the project page for the Right Tree, Right Place: Seed Project cifor-icraf.org/rtrp-seed
For more information, photos, access to the recording of the launch, and/or to arrange interviews, contact Kelly Quintero (k.quintero@cifor-icraf.org).
Perú: Plataforma SMART reconocida para el desarrollo de la agroforestería en San Martín
Published on 12 Mar 2024
Reunión de lanzamiento de plataforma web SMART/Macoy Zapata.
Perú, marzo, 2024. La plataforma SMART (smart.cifor-icraf.org), un espacio digital facilitado por el Centro para la Investigación Forestal Internacional y el Centro Internacional de Investigación Agroforestal (CIFOR-ICRAF) para el acceso y distribución de información generada de forma colectiva sobre agroforestería, fue declarada de interés regional por el Gobierno Regional de San Martín de Perú, mediante la aprobación de la ordenanza regional N° 001-2024-GRSM/CR. Con ello, las autoridades de San Martín reconocen la utilidad de la plataforma para contribuir al diseño y planificación de intervenciones e inversiones agroforestales que permitan generar oportunidades para los agricultores familiares en la región.
La plataforma es impulsada por la Iniciativa SMART, un espacio multiactor integrado por más de 20 instituciones de los sectores público y privado, sociedad civil, cooperación y centros de investigación, que promueven la implementación de buenas prácticas agroforestales basadas en evidencia, y la inversión público-privada; en línea con el desarrollo de una agenda regional agroforestal.
“La plataforma SMART tiene dos componentes complementarios: una plataforma multiactor para generar procesos de articulación territorial y manejo integrado del paisaje, y un componente de generación y gestión de conocimiento que recoge, sintetiza, presenta y hace accesible esta información a través de la plataforma”, explicó Valentina Robiglio, científica sénior en sistemas de uso de la tierra y coordinadora de proyectos agroforestales de CIFOR-ICRAF en Perú.
La plataforma SMART ha sido desarrollada con el apoyo de SHARED y la Plataforma de Asociación Transformadora (TPP) de Agroecología y gracias al financiamiento del Ministerio Federal de Cooperación Económica y Desarrollo de Alemania (BMZ) y la Iniciativa Noruega para los Bosques Tropicales (NICFI-NORAD). Cuenta con cinco módulos de información: geovisor, dashboard, especies y cultivos asociados, agroforestería y buenas prácticas, y una biblioteca. También incluye una herramienta para la planificación y diseño de intervenciones agroforestales basadas en un análisis socioecológico del mosaico agroforestal.
“Ofrecer paquetes de información sobre cómo desarrollar una agricultura más limpia, que no permita el avance de la deforestación, es muy importante. Desde SMART se puede ofrecer información, no solo del mapa de deforestación, sino también qué prácticas, criterios y acciones se pueden tomar para enfrentar esto y para orientar a los productores”, destacó Mariana Roeder, coordinadora técnica en sistemas agroforestales del Servicio Nacional Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre (Serfor).
“Esta herramienta es fundamental, pues va a permitir la implementación de políticas con un enfoque de desarrollo agroforestal dentro del territorio, y permite recoger y alimentar información para tomar decisiones con efecto de causa. Además, fortalece la gobernanza territorial”, manifestó Lin Leiva, subgerente de planeamiento estratégico del Gobierno Regional de San Martín.
La Iniciativa SMART ofrece diversas oportunidades para el desarrollo agroforestal de la región San Martín tales como capitalizar y sistematizar conocimientos, lecciones aprendidas y experiencias existentes para tomar buenas decisiones; catalizar la construcción de una agenda agroforestal integrando la agroforestería en el modelo de crecimiento de la región; ordenar los procesos agroforestales para alcanzar las metas regionales; generar oportunidades para los agricultores familiares y atraer nuevas inversiones vinculadas.
SMART es parte de las iniciativas denominadas “Paisajes de Acción” del grupo CIFOR-ICRAF, ámbitos geográficos donde se trabaja con un enfoque a largo plazo, y con las partes interesadas a nivel local, para desarrollar las soluciones que necesitan, y así contribuir al cambio transformador y la mejora de la resiliencia de los paisajes y las personas.
Para obtener más información, puede ponerse en contacto con Rocío Vásquez, punto focal de la Iniciativa SMART y especialista en sistemas de información geográfica y datos espaciales de CIFOR-ICRAF en R.Vasquez@cifor-icraf.org.
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